Mandi Reaves (left) and Monica Hardee
Two Women, Two Sisters, Two Businesses Leading the Grand Strand
Hardee Investment Holdings
Monica Hardee is vice president of Hardee Investment Holdings, a family office created by the CEO of its “sister company”, A.O. Hardee & Son Inc., a regionally prominent heavy-highway construction company based in Little River. She is the third generation to be involved in the construction company that segregated its assets to create HIH, a privately held real estate holding and investment company.
“I spearhead development, which includes supporting day-to-day administration and management of business functions related to various types of asset classes, including land banking and commercial real estate development services to regional and national homebuilders. We currently have under production approximately 6,000 acres in North and South Carolina,” she explains.The University of South Carolina graduate holds certificates in Construction Estimating, and Civil Engineer Blueprint Reading and is a licensed real estate broker.
Additionally, for over 16 years, Monica has owned her own brokerage company, Land Point Properties. Her experience as Broker in Charge as well as a lifelong apprenticeship alongside her father, and grandfather in the construction industry has fostered a broad and deep understanding of real estate, development, construction, finance, and “the art of the deal.”
Monica hopes to see more women pursue leadership roles in the construction and real estate industries.
“Women are pushing to establish more senior roles for themselves in commercial real estate, an area where we are severely underrepresented. Despite progress in other professions, my industry still largely remains a male-dominated field. My dream is to not only carry on the legacy of the family business, but to hold the gate of opportunity open for other young women.”
(Left) Monica Hardee, Vice President of Hardee Investment Holdings; (Right) Mandi Reaves, Owner of Monkee’s of Myrtle Beach.
Monkee’s of Myrtle Beach
Mandi Reaves is the owner of Monkee’s, an upscale women’s boutique in Barefoot Landing.
Monkee’s has been a much-beloved, prominent fixture here along the Grand Strand, with a loyal, local customer base in addition to being a repeat go-to for women visiting the area. Monkee’s opened its first store in Wilmington, N.C., in 1995, and has grown exponentially, with locations in a dozen states. Each boutique is independently owned and operated, Mandi explains. “The Monkee’s franchise has been a perfect fit because of its positive message and I loved that the franchise allowed me to be part of the team but also ‘allowed me to explore my own creativity,’” she adds.
Mandi always loved fashion, design, styling, and connecting with people, and in 2019, her dream of owning a Monkee’s store in the Grand Strand area became reality.
The store specializes in curating a mix of brands and designers in order to offer the best selection of women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories.
“Here at Monkee’s of Myrtle Beach we want your experience in-store and online to be personal and memorable,” Mandi continues. The store offers an extensive selection of designer boutique-style shoes, clothing, and accessories “that are hand-picked seasonally to reflect current trends while also maintaining a classic Southern style.”
Her inspiration comes from seeing clients so enthusiastic and happy with their finds, she says.
“It’s about watching others walk out the door feeling excited about themselves or the purchase they have made for a loved one! The Monkee’s motto has always been: ‘Come in, sit down in our living room, try on, and have fun!’ There is no pressure here,” she adds.
As the saying goes, “Team work makes the dream work!” and Mandi is quick to praise and credit her team at Monkee’s. “I absolutely could not do it without my amazing team! Paige, Sarah, and Bailey have been with me since opening, and I couldn’t do it without them! They help coordinate everything from buying to accounting… even down to the sales! We also pride ourselves in hiring local high school and college girls in our area! We love encouraging the local girl who is hustling!”
Together, these two women, sisters and business owners continue to focus on growing the Grand Strand for all future women business leaders.
Hardee Investment Holdings
4206 Sea Mountain Hwy. | Little River, SC 29576
(843) 249-1264 | Company Website under construction
Monkee’s of Myrtle Beach
4822-A Hwy 17 South | North Myrtle Beach, SC. 29582
(843) 281-0296 | monkeesofmyrtlebeach.com
@monkees_myrtlebeach
